Best Towns in Tuscany

Tuscanyis one of the most beautiful and rich regions in Italy. It is well known for gorgeous landscapes and high culture. Travellers can admire medieval towns, the Renaissance art but also wine from the Chianti region and typical tuscan dishes. During the times of Italian Renaissance many important artist, philosophers and scientist such as Dante, Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, Niccolo Machiavelli and many others were born here.

Walking through small medieval tuscan streets makes you feel to be back around the year 1500. No matter if you are coming to Tuscany for a vacation or for sightseeing, there are a few cities that you just cannot miss.

Florence

Who wouldn’t have heard of the Cradle of Renaissance? A city where the art is waiting on every corner is worth its visit and travellers from all around the world know it very well. Say hello to Michelangelo’s David at Galleria dell’Accademia and admire Botticelli’s Venere in one of many museums in Florence. After an exhausting day in museums go for an aperitivo (Italian pre-dinner snack) and enjoy a lively nightlife in one of the clubs.

Pisa

A town with no more than 100,000 inhabitants is famous for its Leaning tower (actually a bell tower) in Piazza dei Miracoli. The hometown of Galileo Galilei was an important town for many centuries. Pisa is still full of students like it was usual since the 12th century when an important university was founded here.

Siena

The historic city center of Siena is so beautiful and old that has been declared by UNESCO a World Heritage Site. Pack your suitcase for 2nd July or 16th August to see the Palio in Piazza del Campo. In the horse race ten horses and riders represent ten of seventeen city wards. Palio represents a tradition since many centuries ago.

Livorno

Livorno is a port city on the coast. The third-largest port in the west coast of Italy is important for the cruise-ship tourism to Tuscany. Interesting to see is the Venice district created within a city planning in the 16th century inspired by the city of Venice.

Lucca

This small town almost at the coast is worth to visit not only because of the city walls from the Renaissance era. Lucca has been inhabited since the Etruscan times. Then the town became a Roman colony which can still be seen at the street plan of the center.

And one more thing at the end – don’t forget you are in Italy so order a traditional pizza or pasta.

11 responses to “Best Towns in Tuscany”

You left out one of the most beautiful placed I encountered in my two weeks in Italy and driving through Tuscany..Ptiggliano. I have never seen aything like it. The first view as we came around the curve into the city took my breath away.

Though San Gimignano is gorgeous, I disagree with Dario that it’s a “non-obvious” . It’s a totally obvious stop on every tuscan itinerary, with its unique medieval towers . But Volterra is a bit out of the beaten path. Etruscan ruins. Beautiful surroundings . I recommend Villa Rioddi , an old farmhouse just outside the city walls.

Svetoslav says:August 5th, 2010 at 08:26

To me it sound like a list of the cities that you should avoid in Tuscany.
Tuscany is probably the most beautiful part of Europe, but not because of those five large cities. It’s because of the charming small villages and the landscape.
Pitiggliano is a very good example what you would miss if you’re guided by such tourist advices. It’s also one of my favorite places.
And of course the termal spring in Saturnia.

I have also been in Montepulciano and I really enjoyed it. The countryside surrounding Montepulciano and Trasimeno Lake is really beautiful. Did great pics when I went there!
I simply enjoy getting around with a car to see the beautiful landscapes in Tuscany.

I visited these beautiful small villages on summer of 2008 and I agree with you all but I recommend to finish the tour around Tuscany, by car of course, Saturnia.Its a magical natural spa to take a relax.

Great list I would just add Arezzo. The medieval square with the Vasari Loggia, the stunning basilica with its lovely frescoes and the excellent restaurants make it the perfect day trip from Florence or Rome.

I’d second Lucca… the most laid back, elegant and unassuming of the lot, with masses of history, superb shops, very little traffic, gorgeous food, and great old shop signs… see here… http://bit.ly/pnQt4C